With travelers from all over the country visiting Rhode Island for its Colonial history, beautiful beaches, and architectural marvels, America’s smallest state proves once and for all that size doesn’t matter. Whether you’re local or just visiting The Ocean State, it’s an easy drive to any of Rhode Island’s top attractions.
Here are a few of our favorite sites. We hope you’ll enjoy them, too!
Beavertail Lighthouse
Beavertail Road, Jamestown, RI 02835
Established in 1749, the Beavertail Lighthouse is America’s third-oldest lighthouse. Located on the southernmost tip of Jamestown, Rhode Island, the lighthouse remains active today as a navigational aid maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. During hours of operation, guests are encouraged to visit its maritime museum and climb a 49-step spiral staircase (along with a seven-foot ladder) for breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay from the lighthouse’s observation catwalks.
Biomes Marine Biology Center
6640 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
In addition to being Rhode Island’s largest aquarium, the Biomes Marine Biology Center is the only private marine education facility in New England. During the school year, the Center offers a number of hands-on and interactive demonstrations each day for families, school groups, and other organizations, in hopes of highlighting the marine animals of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
The International Tennis Hall of Fame helps promote and preserve the history of tennis while celebrating the legendary athletes who found success within the sport. Set in The Newport Casino, a National Historic Landmark first opened in 1880, the Hall of Fame’s interactive museum features digital exhibitions as well as more than 2,000 artifacts from the sport and its greatest players.
Newport Cliff Walk
175 Memorial Boulevard, Newport, RI 02840
The Newport Cliff Walk runs 3.5 miles along some of New England’s most beautiful coastline. It was designated as Rhode Island’s first National Recreation Trail in 1975 and now attracts around 250,000 visitors each year. If you plan to hike New England’s best seaside trail, block off about three hours, wear the right footwear, and pay close attention to where you’re walking. In some spots, the Cliffs have drops of more than 70 feet!
RISD Museum
20 N. Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
Established in 1877, the RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) Museum is now the 20th-largest art museum in the United States. It boasts a hefty collection of more than 100,000 paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, costumes, textiles, and furniture dating from ancient times through today. Plan ahead to save some dough—admission is free on Sundays and on the third Thursday evening of each month.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
The 40-acre Roger Williams Park Zoo, which opened its doors in 1872, is America’s third-oldest zoo. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is home to more than 160 species of animals from all over the world. For more family fun, the Roger Williams Park Carousel Village is located just 1/4 mile away from the Zoo and features carousel and train rides, a bounce house, and a fully accessible playground.
We’re Here to Help
With so many great things to do in Rhode Island, why not make it home? Whether you’re looking for new construction or a vacation cottage, BayCoast Mortgage can help find financing that’s just right for you.
Contact us or call 877-466-2678 today and let one of our experienced lending professionals walk beside you on your journey.